TRI_TIEP_Statement_of_Objectives - Final.docx

STATEMENT OBJECTIVES (SOO)

Transit Innovation Evaluation Program (TIEP)

1.0 Background / Purpose

The Transit Innovation Evaluation Program (TIEP) improves the timeliness, quality, and efficiency of evaluation and rapid-response research across the transit sector. It fulfills the federal statutory requirement (49 U.S.C. § 5312(e)(4)) for comprehensive evaluation of the success or failure of the Demonstration and Deployment projects funded under the Public Transportation Innovation Program (49 U.S.C. § 5312(e)). The goal of program is to conduct those comprehensive evaluations The program will meet the data requirements from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) and will assist the Technology Transfer (T2) Program. TIEP also supports evidence-based decision-making through ad hoc research on emerging transit challenges.

Historically, FTA issues separate agreements for project evaluations, with different approaches and deliverables. TIEP will develop a standardized evaluation framework, providing rapid-response research capabilities to inform FTA leadership on emerging public transportation needs. The program increases efficiency, reduces administrative delays, and embeds evidence-based decision-making into FTA’s broader research and innovation portfolio.

2.0 Objectives

This work will strengthen FTA’s capacity to measure the effectiveness of federally funded transit initiatives, identify best practices, and support evidence-based decision-making across its research and innovation portfolio. The Contractor(s) shall design, implement, and manage a program-wide capability that achieves the following high-level objectives:

· Deliver a Comprehensive Evaluation of Demonstration and Deployment Projects

· Provide Rapid-Response and Ad Hoc Research

· Standardize Evaluation Methods Across FTA Research Programs

· Strengthen Data Management and Performance Measurement as required by OST-R

· Support FTA’s T2 Program as required by OST-R.

3.0 Desired Outcomes

The Contractor’s work shall achieve the following outcomes:

1. Timely and credible evaluation products that inform FTA leadership decisions.

2. Improved consistency and quality in evaluation practices across demonstration projects.

3. Rapid research insights to help FTA respond to immediate industry needs and issues.

4. Clear, accessible documentation suitable for internal use and public dissemination.

5. Strengthened OST-R data requirements and T2 Program deliverables.

4.0 Performance Measures

FTA will assess Contractor performance using the following high-level indicators:

5.0 Government-Furnished Information (GFI)

FTA will provide the following resources, as needed:

· FTA Annual Reports on Research and other relevant FTA reports

· Access to relevant project documents and agency contacts

· FTA’s Nested Research Evaluation Framework

· Data governance and security guidelines

· Existing evaluation tools, templates, and guidance

6.0 Documentation Standards and Quality Indicators

All deliverables shall meet the following documentation and quality standards:

· Deliverables shall be submitted electronically in Google Doc and PDF format. All deliverables shall comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Plain Language and Section 508 standards.

· Compliance with all applicable federal confidentiality, cybersecurity, and data-management requirements.

· Deliverables shall be clear, concise, and suitable for dissemination if approved by FTA.

7.0 Deliverable Expectations

While specific deliverables will be determined at the order level concerning the Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN), the Contractor is expected to provide:

· Project and program evaluation plans and final evaluation reports

· Data management plans

· Quarterly Progress Reports

· Rapid-response briefs and technical memos

· Annual program impacts summaries

· Training materials and stakeholder engagement products

8.0 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this requirement shall be 12 months from the date of award, with four 12-month option periods, subject to availability of funds and continued need.